Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attracted thousands of Internet users on Monday by opening an account on one of China's most popular social media platforms ahead of a visit to the country this month.

One post stated: "I suggest improving the social status of Indian women and protecting the safety of females! Or we foreign women will not dare travel to India." The post attracted more than 700 "likes".

As of 4 pm, the prime minister's account had attracted more than 16,600 followers.

A source at the Indian embassy in China said the embassy started to communicate with weibo several weeks ago over issues such as the Chinese name for Modi's account.

The release added: "This is the first attempt of its kind by any Indian leader."

It said Modi has been an avid and active user of social media for several years. "He has used diverse social media platforms to reach out to people across India and the world," it said.

The release said Modi is scheduled to visit China later this month, but it did not disclose further details about the trip. As chief minister of Gujarat in western India, Modi traveled to China in November 2011.